NEW YORK – Indiana redshirt junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the school’s first Heisman Memorial Trophy as college football’s most outstanding player Saturday night, capping a stunning two-year turnaround for the Hoosiers, the No. 1 seed in this year’s College Football Playoff.

Mendoza coming out of nowhere to win the award is an understatement, as he was not listed on any of the Heisman Trophy oddsmakers’ lists or the Big Ten Conference’s preseason honors lists.

None of that mattered to the 22-year-old Miami, Florida product, as he completed 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards. He led the nation with 33 touchdown passes (an Indiana school record), ranked second in passer rating, and was the third Big Ten quarterback since 2000 with three-straight games of at least four passing touchdowns and no interceptions.

Mendoza becomes the first Heisman winner from the Big Ten since Ohio State QB Troy Smith won in 2006.

A quarterback winning the Heisman is, of course, no surprise now that 20 of the past 24 winners played the position. Three Alabama players — running backs Mark Ingram (2009), Derrick Henry (2015), and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (2020) — and last year’s winner, two-way star Travis Hunter of Colorado, are the only non-quarterbacks who have had their personalized identity engraved on the nameplate of the 45-pound trophy.

Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Cal this past offseason, received 643 first-place votes and 2,362 total points. Diego Pavia, who put the perennial cellar-dweller Vanderbilt on the map and led them to their first 10-win season in 122 seasons of playing football, was second in the voting (189 first-place votes, 1,435 points).

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love came in third (46, 719) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was fourth (8, 432).

Mendoza was on 95.16% of the total ballots and won all six voting regions.

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was fifth in the balloting (and got 17 first-place votes), followed by Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, and Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King rounded out the top 10.

Before getting back to business and preparing for the College Football Playoff, where the top-seeded Hoosiers will take on the winner of No. 8 seed Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, Mendoza, who is full‑time Master of Business Administration student at Indiana’s Kelley School of Business, spent the week racking up lots of other awards, taking home the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Award and the AP College Football Player of the Year award.

Mendoza’s journey to the top of college football was a story in itself. Playing at Christopher Columbus High School, a private Catholic school, he was a two-star recruit and was ranked the 72nd-best quarterback prospect in his class by ESPN. With only one Power Four scholarship offer, Mendoza initially committed to Yale before shifting his focus to California. 

Even after arriving at Berkeley, he didn’t find immediate success, redshirting in 2022, but took control the next season, starting the final eight games for the Bears. Over three seasons at Cal, he threw 30 touchdowns, achieving that success despite playing for three different offensive coordinators. 

But transferring 2,200 miles east to Bloomington proved an easy decision, as his younger brother, Alberto, was already on the roster as a quarterback and he had earned his undergraduate degree from Cal in just three years. And despite a playoff appearance last season, Indiana still entered the season with the most losses in college football history, was 9-27 in the three seasons before coach Curt Cignetti arrived, and had not won a bowl game since 1991.

This season, with expectations through the roof, the Hoosiers were ranked No. 19 in the preseason AFCA Coaches Poll, and they dominated their first eight opponents, including a major road win against then-No. 3 Oregon, setting the stage for Mendoza’s two Heisman moments.

On Nov. 8, the Hoosiers trailed Penn State 24-20 with 1:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite being sacked on the drive’s first play, Mendoza completed four straight passes before delivering the game-winning throw, a strike to Omar Cooper Jr., who made an exceptional catch for a 7-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone with 36 seconds remaining to finish the 10-play, 80-yard drive and keep their undefeated season alive. 

In the season’s biggest moment in the Big Ten Championship game against top-ranked Ohio State, Mendoza led Indiana on a crucial drive to start the second half, completing a 51-yarder to Charlie Becker before throwing his only touchdown pass, a 17-yarder to Elijah Sarratt.

He then clinched the game late in the fourth quarter, connecting with Becker again for a 33-yard gain to convert a third down, allowing Indiana to run down most of the clock and win their first Big Ten championship since 1967.

Now, Mendoza, who is the seventh transfer to win the Heisman in the last nine years, will attempt to lead his team to another unprecedented accomplishment – a first national championship.

Two tickets to the NCAA volleyball Final Four have been punched, with No. 1 seeds Pitt and Kentucky advancing on Saturday.

The Panthers and Wildcats await their opponents. The regional semifinals conclude on Sunday, Dec. 14. Pitt will play the winner of Nebraska vs. Texas A&M (3 p.m. ET, ABC). Kentucky will play the winner of Wisconsin vs. Texas (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Nebraska is the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed and looking for its first championship since 2017 and first under coach Dani Busboom Kelly. Setter Bergen Reilly, middle blocker Rebekah Allick and middle blocker Andi Jackson have led the Huskers to a 33-0 record.

Texas, the final No. 1 seed, is 13-1 on its home floor and will host the regional final at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin.

The Final Four will be held at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The two semifinal matches will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

When is NCAA women’s volleyball regional final?

Date: Dec. 14
Time: Two matches Sunday. Match-by-match times below.

How to watch NCAA volleyball tournament

Streaming: ESPN+ ∣ Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball tournament will air across the ESPN and ABC family of networks. Games can be streamed on ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service, and Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

NCAA volleyball regional final: Times, TV

All times Eastern

Saturday, Dec. 13

No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 3 Creighton 0
No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 3 Purdue 1

Sunday, Dec. 14

No. 3 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Nebraska, 3 p.m. | ABC
No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 1 Texas, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN

When is the NCAA volleyball Final Four in 2025?

Dates: Thursday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 21
The two semifinal matches in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA volleyball tournament will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18 and will be broadcast on ESPN. The national championship game is Sunday, Dec. 21 on ABC.

Round of 16 volleyball results

Thursday, Dec. 11

No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 2 Arizona State 1
No. 1 Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0
No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, No. 4 Minnesota 0
No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 2 SMU 1

Friday, Dec. 12

No. 1 Texas 3, No. 4 Indiana 0 
No. 3 Wisconsin 3, No. 2 Stanford 1 
No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 2 Louisville 2
No. 1 Nebraska 3, No. 4 Kansas 0

NCAA volleyball second-round results

Lexington bracket

No. 1 Kentucky 3, No. 8 UCLA 1 (30-28, 25-16, 28-30, 25-17)
No. 3 Creighton 3, No. 6 Northern Iowa 1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21)
No. 2 Arizona State 3, Utah State 1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15)
Cal Poly 3, No. 4 USC 2 (25-19, 25-20, 20-25, 14-25, 15-7)

Austin bracket

No. 4 Indiana 3, No. 5 Colorado 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-23)
No. 3 Wisconsin 3, North Carolina 0 (25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
No. 1 Texas 1, No. 8 Penn State 0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-19)
No. 2 Stanford 3, Arizona 1 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17, 25-20)

Pittsburgh bracket

No. 3 Purdue 3, No. 6 Baylor 1 (25-16, 25-19, 23-25, 25-20)
No. 1 Pittsburgh 3, Michigan 0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18)
No. 2 SMU 3, Florida 0 (25-11, 25-21, 26-24)
No. 4 Minnesota 3, No. 5 Iowa State 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-14)

Lincoln bracket

No. 4 Kansas 3, No. 5 Miami 1 (25-17, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25)
No. 2 Louisville 3, Marquette 2 (21-25, 25-11, 23-25, 25-19, 15-12)
No. 1 Nebraska 3, Kansas State 0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-16)
No. 3 Texas A&M 3, No. 6 TCU 1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 29-27)

NCAA volleyball first-round results

Lexington bracket

No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-12)
No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2 (24-26, 25-19, 25-23, 25-18, 15-10)
Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2 (25-19, 17-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-10)
No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0, (25-19, 25-12, 25-13)
No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2 (12-25, 25-23,25-23,17-25, 8-15)
No. 6 Northern Iowa 3, Utah 2 (15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10)
Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2 (25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11)
No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-12)

Austin bracket

No. 1 Texas 3, Florida A&M 0 (25-11, 25- 8, 25-14)
No. 8 Penn State 3, South Florida 1 (25-23, 12-25, 25-21, 25-19)
No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16)
No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0 (25-18, 25-15, 25-17)
No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0 (25-11, 25-6, 25-19)
North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1 (24-26, 25-11, 25-18, 25-21)
Arizona 3, No. 7 South Dakota State 1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-15)
No. 2 Stanford 3, Utah Valley 1 (21-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-14)

Pittsburgh bracket

No. 1 Pitt 3, UMBC 0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-13)
Michigan 3, No. 8 Xavier 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-23)
No. 5 Iowa State 3, St. Thomas-Minnesota 2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-16, 21-25, 15-8)
No. 4 Minnesota 3, Fairfield 0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-13)
No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-19)
No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2 (23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 23-25, 15-10)
Florida 3, No. 7 Rice 0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19)
No. 2 SMU 3, Central Arkansas 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13)

Lincoln bracket

No. 1 Nebraska 3, Long Island 0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-17)
Kansas State 3, San Diego 2 (21-25, 25-17, 26-28, 25-22, 15-12)
No. 5 Miami 3, Tulsa 1 (25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20)
No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-18)
No. 3 Texas A&M 3, Campbell 0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-13)
No. 6 TCU 3, Stephen F. Austin 0 (25-8, 26-24, 25-20)
Marquette 3, Western Kentucky 0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16)
No. 2 Louisville 3, Loyola (Illinois) 0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-12)

NCAA volleyball tournament champions

Penn State is the reigning NCAA volleyball champion, having defeated Louisville in four sets last year in the national title game. It was the Nittany Lions’ eighth volleyball championship since 1999.

Here’s a look at the past 10 NCAA volleyball champions:

2024: Penn State
2023: Texas
2022: Texas
2021: Wisconsin
2020: Kentucky
2019: Stanford
2018: Stanford
2017: Nebraska
2016: Stanford
2015: Nebraska

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The Pittsburgh Penguins have surprised many hockey observers this season with strong play, which has put them challenging for a Stanley Cup playoff position with a 14-8-8 record. But the Penguins suffered a significant blow with the injury of star center Evgeni Malkin, and now, the Pens’ playoff hopes are in significant jeopardy.

Before Malkin was sidelined following last Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the 39-year-old had been thriving, posting 21 assists and 29 points in 26 games. Malkin hadn’t been producing points at a point-per-game pace or better since 2022-23, when he had 83 points in 82 games.

Only fellow superstar pivot Sidney Crosby (34 points in 30 games) has produced more offense than Malkin has this season. Replacing his scoring is going to be a herculean task for the Pens players who are healthy enough to play.

To wit: other than right winger Bryan Rust (26 points), defenseman Erik Karlsson (22 points) and right winger Anthony Mantha (20 points), no Penguins player has more than 15 points. And there are no young players either on the Pens roster right now or on their American League affiliate who can come in and generate at the same pace Malkin had been. Malkin’s replacement on the second line is 34-year-old veteran Kevin Hayes, who has had his own health issues this year that have limited him to 154 games. 

In that span, Hayes has only three goals and five points. The Penguins have $14.3 million in salary cap space, but it’s not as if there’s an abundance of second-line centers available on the trade block.

Thus, if there is going to be replacement-level offense in Malkin’s stead, it’s going to have to come internally. But with due respect to everyone on Pittsburgh’s depth chart.

Malkin is listed as week-to-week with his injury, but we should all know by now that teams are loath to give a realistic appraisal of their players’ health status. It’s not out of the question that Malkin may be out of the lineup well into the new calendar year. If it does take that long for Malkin to return, his injury could put nails in the coffin of Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes – not all of the nails – but enough to give Pens fans a sobering look at the competitive state of this team. 

With the parity in the league, it’s true to say that most, if not all, of the teams in the NHL could have their playoff hopes snuffed out when a key player is sidelined for a long stretch of time. And that’s certainly true of the Penguins and Malkin’s injury.

Pittsburgh has probably overachieved to be where it is in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference standings. Without one of their two best players, a slide down the ranks of teams is almost assuredly looming for the Pens.

Malkin is no longer in his prime, but he’s shown this season that he still has a lot left to offer. Unfortunately, he leaves a gigantic hole in the lineup, and it’s a hole that isn’t likely to be adequately filled. If the Penguins do falter in the days and weeks to come, Malkin’s injury could be pointed to as a key reason Pittsburgh will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season.

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The San Antonio Spurs held off the Oklahoma City Thunder in a battle that remained close throughout the fourth quarter. As a result of the victory, the Spurs will remain in Las Vegas and take on the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday.

The 7-foot-5 star produced 22 points, nine rebounds and two blocks against the defending champion Thunder. Wembanyama shot 6-of-11 from the field.

The Thunder’s loss snapped a 16-game win streak and was just their second loss of the season.

Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox each produced 22 points while Devin Vassell added 23 points for the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a team-high 29 points in the loss for the Thunder.

Here’s what you missed from Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs:

Spurs vs. Thunder highlights

Final: Spurs 111, Thunder 109

The Spurs hold on to the lead and beat the Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinal.

3Q: Spurs 78, Thunder 77

De’Aaron Fox had a team-high 19 points for the Spurs through the first three quarters of play. Stephon Castle has produced 16 points while Victor Wembanyama has added seven points and eight rebounds.

Spurs lead Thunder in third quarter

The Spurs have outscored the Thunder 22-16 in the third quarter. San Antonio leads Oklahoma City 71-65 with 4:25 left in the third quarter.

Halftime: Thunder 49, Spurs 46

The Spurs received a boost when Victor Wembanyama came off the bench in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to take over the game early on.

The Thunder produced a 14-2 scoring run against the Spurs.

The Spurs’ 13-0 scoring run to end the first half makes it a 3-point game.

Victor Wembanyama plays in second quarter

Victor Wembanyama helps the Spurs close the gap early in the second quarter against the Thunder.

The Spurs cut into the Thunder’s lead at 33-29 with 8:33 left in the first half.

He had two points, four rebounds and two assists in his first three minutes of play.

1Q: Thunder 31, Spurs 20

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 10 points for the Thunder in the first quarter against the Spurs. Stephon Castle had seven points for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama did not play in the first quarter.

Thunder lead Spurs early

The Thunder have produced a 14-4 lead early in the first quarter against the Spurs. Wembanyama has not checked into the game. The Spurs were 2-for-10 from the field with 7:45 left in the first quarter.

Spurs starting lineup vs. Thunder

De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes and Luke Kornet make up the Spurs’ starting lineup tonight against the Thunder.

Victor Wembanyama coming off Spurs’ bench

Victor Wembanyama will come off the bench for the Spurs on Saturday. Wembanyama has missed the past 12 games due to a left calf strain injury. He had not played in a game since Nov. 14.

What time is Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Cup game today?

The San Antonio Spurs will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in the second semifinal of the NBA Cup.

How to watch Spurs vs. Thunder NBA Cup game: TV, live streaming

The game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder will be live-streamed nationally on Amazon Prime Video.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas)
TV: None
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

Watch NBA Cup games with Amazon Prime Video

Los Angeles Kings center Phillip Danault has found himself in the rumor mill. 

Back on Dec. 6, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that teams have reached out to the Kings asking about Danault’s availability. 

Danault’s generating interest comes in the middle of the 32-year-old  center having a tough start to the 2025-26 season. In 30 games so far this season with the Kings, the Victoriaville, Quebec, native has yet to score a goal and has recorded just five assists.

Yet, Danault’s strong two-way play and past success is likely what is making teams call about the veteran forward. He also has bounce-back potential, as he recorded 43 points in 80 games last season for Los Angeles. He also recorded at least 47 points in the three seasons before 2023-24. 

Due to all of this, let’s look at three teams that could be strong fits for Danault.

Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens need a boost at the center position, and Danault is a player they know well, as he played six seasons for them from 2015-21. Seravalli also recently reported that the Canadiens are one of the teams with interest in Danault. 

If the Canadiens brought back Danault, he would give them another option to consider for their second-line center spot. Additionally, he would be an obvious choice for their penalty kill because of his strong defensive play. 

Minnesota Wild

When looking at the Wild’s roster, it is fair to argue that they could use another center. Due to this, they could make sense as a suitor for Danault.

If the Wild acquired Danault, he would have the potential to give their top nine a nice boost if he bounced back with the change of scenery. Furthermore, with the Wild being one of the NHL’s hottest teams right now and recently acquiring Quinn Hughes, it would be understandable if they are eager to continue strengthening their roster. 

Utah Mammoth 

The Mammoth have been struggling as of late, losing three of their last four games and seven out of their last 10. With this, they now have a 15-15-3 record and are fourth in the Central Division. Could this lead to them looking to add to their roster and take a chance on a veteran like Danault? 

When looking at Utah’s lineup, they could use another impactful center. Danault would be a welcome addition to their middle six if he turns things around. He would also offer the Mammoth another veteran to help mentor their younger players, which would be a nice bonus for a Utah team looking to make the playoffs. 

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

The 2025 fantasy football playoffs are officially underway.

In the playoffs, start-sit decisions become significantly more magnified. Make the wrong call and your season could be over in the blink of an eye. To assist with your most difficult lineup decisions, you’ll find Week 15 fantasy football rankings below (scroll to the bottom for complete rankings). Toggle between standard, half PPR (point per reception), and full PPR to see where players rank in your league’s format.

Our team at the USA TODAY Sports Network also has you covered for all your fantasy football needs. Looking for up-to-date player news? We’ve got it. Be sure to check out the rest of our Week 15 fantasy content as well.

Start/sit: Overall | Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end

Analysis: 11 streamers for Week 15 | 13 risers and sleepers

Given the volatility of this league and fantasy football in particular, these rankings will be updated up to a half hour before the Sunday afternoon games kick off. Let’s get to it.

Week 15 fantasy football quarterback rankings: Top streamers

Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy at Dallas Cowboys – The idea of streaming McCarthy might make you want to vomit, but he is one of the best widely available options. McCarthy is coming off a 20.4-point performance against the Commanders in which he completed 70% of his passes and threw for three touchdowns. The 22-year-old has now amassed 16.7 or more fantasy points in four of his seven starts. In Week 15, he’ll take on a Cowboys defense that’s allowing 3.2 more fantasy points per game to the position than any other team in the NFL.
Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota at New York Giants – Mariota has dropped at least 16.4 fantasy points in five of his six starts, including 18.7 and 24.3 in two of his last three. He’s a top streamer against a Giants defense that’s ceded more than 18 fantasy points to the position in seven of their last eight games.
New Orleans Saints QB Tyler Shough vs. Carolina Panthers – Is Tyler Shough a legitimate streaming option in the fantasy playoffs? He might just be. The rookie has eclipsed 18 fantasy points in three of his last four outings. Last week saw him rack up a career-high 55 rush yards and two tuddies on the ground. In Week 15, Shough will face a Panthers defense that he tore up for 282 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10.
Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders at Chicago Bears – Sanders was QB2 in Week 15, posting 393 total yards and four touchdowns on his way to 34.5 fantasy points. The rookie will have a chance to build on that performance in Week 15, against a Bears team that’s surrendering the ninth-most fantasy points to the position this season.

Week 15 fantasy football running back rankings: Top streamers

New York Giants RB Devin Singletary vs. Washington Commanders – In the four weeks prior to New York’s bye, Singletary was fantasy’s overall RB14, averaging 12.1 half-PPR points per game. The 28-year-old averaged 15.3 opportunities (targets + carries) in his final three games before the bye, and had reached double-digits in five consecutive games. This week, he’ll take on a Commanders front that’s giving up the second-most fantasy points to opposing runners since Week 4.
Washington Commanders RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. at New York Giants – In 2025, only the Bengals are surrendering more fantasy points to opposing running backs than the Giants. New York is allowing an NFL-high 6.1 yards per attempt, and Rodriguez has recorded double-digit carries in four of his last five games. While the 25-year-old offers no value in the passing game, this defense has given up the second-most yards and sixth-most touchdowns on the ground to the position. If Rodriguez ends up being inactive, both Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols offer flex appeal.
Los Angeles Rams RB Blake Corum vs. Detroit Lions – Corum erupted for 131 yards and two touchdowns on 13 touches last week, which means he might end up in a lot of lineups in Week 15. There is reason to exercize caution, however. Kyren Williams still had a strong lead in snaps (36 to 22) and routes (18 to 9). Additionally, the Rams will be taking on a Lions team that funnels to the pass. So far in 2025, the Lions have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and the second-most to wideouts. Starting Corum is one way to get exposure to one of the league’s most potent offenses, but don’t expect another explosive performance.

Week 15 fantasy football wide receiver rankings: Top streamers

Carolina Panthers WR Jalen Coker at New Orleans Saints – Prior to Carolina’s Week 14 bye, we saw Coker lead the team with six targets. Against a tough Rams secondary, Coker caught four of his six targets for 74 yards and a touchdown. The 24-year-old has now received at least four targets in four consecutive outings. Coker will be an intriguing flex option against a Saints secondary that has ceded more than 14 half-PPR points to 10 different receivers this season.
Green Bay Packers WR Jayden Reed at Denver Broncos – In just his first game back last week, Reed returned to his regular role as the Packers’ slot receiver. Despite playing just 43% of snaps, Reed finished just two routes behind Romeo Doubs for second on the team (17 to 19), and his six touches (four receptions, two carries) were the most behind only Josh Jacobs. A tough matchup with Denver awaits, but Reed’s ceiling is high compared to most other widely available players at the position.
New Orleans Saints WR Devaughn Vele vs. Carolina Panthers – Since New Orleans returned from its Week 11 bye, Vele has been the team’s clear WR1B. This past week, the 28-year-old finished tied for the team lead in snaps (54) and targets (5), while ending up with just two fewer routes than teammate Chris Olave (22 to 24). Vele led the team in receiving for a second consecutive week, though his 3-40-0 line was a far cry from his 8-93-1 line in Week 13. The veteran will be a decent flex option against a Carolina team that’s allowed double-digit half-PPR points to 10 wide receivers in as many games.
New England Patriots WR Kayshon Boutte vs. Buffalo Bills – Boutte is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward flex play at wideout. In 10 healthy contests, Bouttle has posted at least 11.5 half-PPR points five times and fewer than six points on four occasions. He’s a widely-available top-40 play against a Bills defense that’s surrendered double-digit half-PPR points to 12 wideouts in 2025.

Week 15 fantasy football tight end rankings: Top streamers

Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely at Cincinnati Bengals – In 2024, the Los Angeles Rams gave up a league-leading 15.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends. The 2025 Bengals are beating that number by an astonishing 8.2 half-PPR points. Cincinnati has surrendered 325 more yards and six more touchdowns to the position than any other team in the NFL. Meanwhile, Likely has out-targeted veteran Mark Andrews over the last two games, and he has outgained him by 64 yards. The 25-year-old could also easily have three touchdowns over those two contests. No one should be shocked if Likely finishes as a top-three tight end in Week 15.
Cincinnati Bengals TE Mike Gesicki vs. Baltimore Ravens – Last year, in the five games that Tee Higgins missed, Gesicki averaged 7.2 targets, 62.4 receiving yards, and 10.8 half-PPR points. Fresh off a game in which he nearly doubled his season’s output, Gesicki is a borderline TE1 with Higgins out of the lineup.

Week 15 fantasy football rankings: PPR and non-PPR

Fernando Mendoza has been given a lifelong membership to college football’s most hallowed and selective brotherhood.

The Indiana football quarterback was named the 2025 recipient of the Heisman Trophy on Saturday in New York City. He beat out Vanderbilt and Ohio State quarterbacks Diego Pavia and Julian Sayin, respectively, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love for the annual award that’s given out to the best player in college football.

Mendoza received 2,362 votes from Heisman Trophy voters, including 643 first-place votes.

There has not been an Indiana player to have won the Heisman Trophy before Mendoza, making Saturday’s award ceremony inside Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room another ‘first’ that Mendoza has led the program to during his first season in Bloomington.

Heading into the College Football Playoff, Mendoza leads Division I FBS quarterbacks with 33 touchdown passes, two more than Sayin and Baylor and North Texas quarterbacks Sawyer Robertson and Drew Mestemaker, respectively.

‘Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light. You’re my Why. You’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifice, courage, love those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I’m gonna carry through my side through my entire life,’ Mendoza said. ‘You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.

‘Together, you and I are rewriting what people think is possible. I love you.’

Mendoza also thanked his grandparents in Spanish, saying: ‘And for my grandparents: Por el amor y sacrificio de mis padres y abuelos, los quiero mucho. De toda mi corazon, de toda gracias.’ (For the love and sacrifice of my parents and grandparents, I love you. With all my heart, thank you).

Fernando Mendoza Heisman Trophy speech

Here’s a look at Mendoza’s Heisman Trophy speech:

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WASHINGTON, DC — John Cena ends his wrestling career in defeat.

The iconic WWE wrestler lost the final match of his storied run, as Gunther emerged victorious at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Dec. 13.

After a thrilling battle that had several twists and turns, it came down to the Sleeper Hold.

Toward the end of the match, punches were traded when the two stars got to their feet, and it was Gunther who broke it with a powerbomb. He followed it with a Frog Splash and Cena avoided the loss, but Gunther didn’t stop, hitting another Sleeper Hold. Cena got up several times but Gunther continued to drag him back down. Just when Cena broke out of it, Gunther locked it back in.

Cena got out one more time to land the AA but the pin didn’t work, and it was immediately followed up with another submission hold. The crowd chanted ‘don’t give up’ as Cena started to fade. The referee checked Cena’s hand and he was able to keep it up before the three-count.

But Gunther kept the hold on. Cena finally tapped out and Gunther won to stun the crowd.

With the result, Cena’s wrestling career is complete. The Massachusetts native made his WWE debut in June 2002 and went on a historic 23-year run in the company. He was the face of wrestling for nearly two decades, embarking on several notable feuds with a ton great moments and championship reigns. 

At Money in the Bank 2024, Cena announced 2025 would be his final year of in-ring competition, beginning a farewell tour that took place across the world and would culminate at Capital One Arena in the nation’s capital.

A tournament was held to determine who would get the opportunity to be Cena’s final opponent, and Gunther emerged as the winner, defeating LA Knight in the final for the right to face the future WWE Hall of Famer. Now, Gunther gets the honor of beating Cena in his final match.

With his wrestling career over, Cena ends as a 17-time WWE Champion – the most in company history – as well as a Grand Slam Champion – with reigns as the Intercontinental, United States and Tag Team Champion. He also won the 2012 Money in the Bank match and is a two-time Royal Rumble match winner, in 2008 and 2013. 

It likely won’t be the last time Cena appears in WWE, but the last time was now for him as a wrestler.

The U.S. women’s national hockey team defeated Canada, 4-1, on Saturday night at Rogers Place in Edmonton, to sweep the 2025 Rivalry Series, something neither team has done in the tournament’s six-year history.

Caroline Harvey opened scoring for Team USA in the second quarter. Team Canada immediately responded with a goal by Brianne Jenner, but the U.S. women rattled off three unanswered goals  — Laila Edwards (12:31, 2nd) and Hilary Knight (1:37 and 8:31, 3rd) — to win Game 4 and sweep the series.

The Americans outscored the Canadians 24-7 in the Rivalry Series. The U.S. women had 13 different players score across the four games. Knight and Abbey Murphy lead all scorers with five goals, while Taylor Heise had eight assists.

Next up, the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where the USA and Canada will likely meet again in the gold-medal game. This is the final game for both teams before the Olympic squads are chosen.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates and highlights for the fourth and final Rivalry Series game between the U.S. women and Canada:

USA extends lead to 4-1 vs. Canada

Hilary Knight sealed the deal with an empty-net goal at the 1:37 mark.

USA on power play

Things are starting to get chippy between the rivals. Canada’s Laura Stacey was penalized two minutes for boarding at the 5:08 mark and set up USA’s fourth power play of the night. Just like the first three, the Americans weren’t able to capitalize.

USA scores; up 3-1 vs. Canada

Hilary Knight gave the USA some insurance with a goal at the 8:31 mark to go up 3-1.

Canada kills off the penalty

Canada’s Sarah Fillier was called for hooking less than four minutes into the period and received two minutes in the penalty box. USA earned a power play but wasn’t been able to capitalize. The Americans are 0-for-3 on power plays on the night.

Third period underway

There’s chaos to start the third period. American Kendall Coyne-Schofield nearly scored, but she hit the post.

End of second: USA 2, Canada 1

USA has a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play and has outshot Canada 24-20 through the first two periods. Caroline Harvey got the Americans on the board first with 14:47 remaining. Canada’s sole goal came from Jennifer Gardiner one minute later at 13:47. Laila Edwards gave USA the lead at the 12:31 mark.

USA leads Canada 2-1

The U.S. women are back in the lead with 12:31 remaining following a goal from Laila Edwards, who connected on a far-side pass from Taylor Heise off the faceoff. It was Edwards’ second goal of the Rivalry Series.

Canada ties it up

Canada answered back one minute later. Brianne Jenner scored to tie it at 1 with 13:47 left off an assist from Jennifer Gardiner. It marked Jenner’s 50th career goal with Canada’s national women’s hockey team.

USA scores off deflection

Team USA is on the board first. Caroline Harvey scored the first goal of the match off a deflection from Canada’ Chloe Primerano with 14:47 remaining in the second period. USA’s Cayla Barnes and Taylor Heise were credited with an assist.

Second period underway

We’re scoreless after the first period. The Canadians started the period on a power play to but USA killed it off.

End of first: USA 0, Canada 0

USA goalkeeper Aerin Frankel has been impenetrable so far. Canada recorded 12 shots on goal in the first period, but none got past Frankel. The U.S. women have managed six shots on goal so far, a stark contrast to the four goals scored against Canada in the opening period of Wednesday’s rout.

‘I think it’s a good start,’ Canadian Laura Stacey said after the first 20 minutes. ‘Obviously, we weren’t really satisfied with the way the last game turned out. It was important for us to regroup here as a team, stay connected and believe in ourselves. I think that first period showed exactly that.’

Canada killed two American power plays and will start the second period with the advantage.

Canada on power play

American Taylor Heise was called for goalkeeper interference after making contact with Canada’s Ann-Renee Desbiens with 41.8 seconds remaining in the first period. Heise appeared to be unhappy with the referee as she skated to the penalty box. Canada is on the power play for the first time in the game.

USA on power play

It wasn’t long before the Americans were back on the power play. Canada’s Sarah Fillier was called for slashing at the 14:11 mark and earned two minutes in the penalty box. However, Canada killed it off yet again.

Canada kills off penalty

Canada may have been shorthanded with Poulin in the penalty box, but the Canadians nearly scored on USA’s power play. Laura Stacey tried to squeeze the puck past USA’s Aerin Frankel for the first goal of the night. Canada only allowed one shot from the USA on the power play.

USA on power play

The first penalty of the night goes to Canada. Marie-Philip Poulin was called for an illegal check to the head of USA’s Abbey Murphy with 8:54 remaining in the first period. Murphy appeared to retaliate against Poulin after the contact, but wasn’t called for a penalty.

Canada taking shots early vs. USA

We are scoreless with 10:31 remaining in the first period. Canada came out aggressive and put up six shots on goal in the first 10 minutes, compared to one from USA. Goals have been hard to come by for the Canadians, who have only scored six goals through three games.

Game underway

USA leads 3-0 in the series.

What time is USA vs Canada Rivalry Series game?

The USA and Canada will play the fourth and final game of this year’s Rivalry Series at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.

What channel is USA vs Canada Rivalry Series game?

The game will be shown on NHL Network.

2025 Rivalry Series stats: USA vs. Canada

The U.S. women have dominated Canada in the first three games of the Rivalry Series:

Goaltending matchup

USA’s Aerin Frankel vs. Canada’s Ann-Renee Desbiens.

Team USA’s top line remains same

Tessa Janecke, Alex Carpenter and Hilary Knight are the forwards on the No. 1 line for Saturday’s matchup, marking the same U.S. top line as the previous three Rivalry Series games. U.S. women’s head coach John Wroblewski has been experimenting with different forward combinations on the second line, but will go with the trio of Hannah Bilka, Taylor Heise and Abbey Murphy for the second consecutive game.

Team USA women’s hockey lines

Canada women’s hockey lines

When is Rivalry Series game? How to watch, TV channel

Date: Dec. 13, 2025
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Rogers Place (Edmonton, Alberta)
TV: NHL Network
Streaming: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Watch US women’s hockey vs. Canada on Fubo

What happened in Game 1 of the Rivalry Series?

Abbey Murphy went off, scoring a hat trick to put the Canadians on their heels in the 4-1 win. Taylor Heise assisted on all three of Murphy’s goals and also had a goal of her own.

What happened in Game 2 of the Rivalry Series?

This time it was veteran captain Hilary Knight’s turn for a hat trick as the Americans won 6-1. Kelly Panek, Laila Edwards and Hayley Scamurra also scored for the U.S. women, who broke the game open with four goals in the final period.

What happened in Game 3 of the Rivalry Series?

It was a goal-a-palooza, the 10 goals from the Americans the most ever scored by either team against the other. After Canada struck first in the first period, the U.S. women responded with five unanswered goals. The Canadians scored three times in the second period to make it close, only to have the Americans score four in the final period.

Abbey Murphy and Kelly Panek each had two, and Tessa Janecke, Jesse Compher, Kendall Coyne-Schofield, Britta Curl-Salemme, Alex Carpenter and Kirsten Simms had one each.

Why is the US-Canada rivalry so heated?

The U.S. women and Canada have dominated the women’s game and, as of right now, are really the only real competition for the other.

They are the only teams to have won the Olympics or the world championships, and they’ve played each other in all but two of the gold-medal games. (Sweden beat the U.S. in the semifinals of the 2006 Olympics in Turin and Finland beat Canada in the semifinals of the 2019 worlds.) Canada has won 13 of the 25 world championships and five of the seven Olympic gold medals.

But the U.S. currently has momentum, winning two of the last three world titles, including an overtime thriller in the spring.

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WASHINGTON, DC — The time is up.

After a legendary 23-year run, John Cena ended his WWE career with his final match on Dec. 13 at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

It was an emotional send-off as the night was dedicated to the 17-time WWE Champion, with several stars of the past and present paying respect after all of the accomplishments and memories from his storied career. It was a thrilling and electric final match, but it didn’t end in victory as “The Ring General” Gunther defeated Cena to silence the crowd.

The result was shocking and upsetting for the WWE universe, but Cena got the chance to say goodbye for good. It capped off a fun night that included young NXT talent getting a chance against some of the best of the main roster.

Watch: Saturday Night’s Main Event postshow

John Cena says goodbye

A video plays inside the arena and on the broadcast honoring Cena. Afterward, Cena salutes the crowd and leaves his armbands and sneakers in the ring. He then walks back to the ramp and salutes the audience one final time. He says ‘it’s been an honor’ before he walks backstage, capping off his career.

WWE roster says goodbye to John Cena

After the match, nearly the entire WWE roster comes out, with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk placing their championships on Cena’s shoulders.

John Cena vs. Gunther

After an incredible introduction, the crowd shows full hostility to Gunther as he takes early control of the match, throwing Cena around and taunting the audience in the process. Gunther goes for a signature chop, only for Cena to catch it.

He then tees off in vintage form and gets the hand up with the entire crowd. He lets out the ‘You Can’t See Me’ and landed the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. He sets up for the Attitude Adjustment but Gunther gets out of it. Cena stays on the attack and gets a hold of the STF on Gunther as the crowd gets on their feet.

Gunther gets out of the submission and his offense picks back up, delivering consecutive running Clotheslines to Cena. The taunting continues, but again Cena finds life again. He delivered another Five-Knuckle Shuffle and gets the AA right afterward, but Gunther kicks out. He tries another AA, and Gunther gets out and locks the Sleeper Hold on Cena. However, Cena reverses it with his own Sleeper Hold, which gets broken up by Gunther getting his leg on the rope.

The action moves outside of the ring where Gunther throws Cena into the steel steps. He moves the other set of stairs near the announcer’s table and gloats to the booing crowd. Gunther tries to land a vicious powerbomb on the announcer’s table, but Cena reverses it and lands the AA instead as both stars lay on the ground.

Back in the ring, Cena climbs the turnbuckle and lands the flying leg drop but the pin attempt is no good. He goes for a third Five-Knuckle Shuffle and Gunther lands the big boot. He follows it with a powerbomb and a pin attempt that Cena kicks out of. Gunther and Cena meet at the top rope and Cena lands the flying AA, and again Gunther kicks out.

Punches are traded when the two stars get to their feet, and it’s Gunther that breaks it with a powerbomb. He follows it with a Frog Splash and Cena avoids the loss, but Gunther doesn’t stop with another Sleeper Hold. Cena gets up several times but Gunther continues to drag him back down. Just when Cena breaks out of it, Gunther locks it back in.

Cena gets out one more time to land the AA but the pin doesn’t work and is immediately followed up with another submission hold. The crowd chants ‘don’t give up’ as Cena starts to fade. The referee checks Cena’s hand and he’s able to keep it up before the three-count.

But Gunther keeps the hold on. Cena finally taps out and Gunther wins, ending Cena’s career with a loss.

Analysis: Gunther is inevitable. ‘The Ring General’ said he would make Cena tap out and he delivers on his promise to get the victory.

The match was by far one of the most electric in recent memory as the crowd was really into the match and pulling for Cena to win. He showed he was going to leave it all out in the ring and delivered another epic clash to end it.

The result isn’t popular at all and there was plenty of booing and NSFW chants for it, but this is how it usually goes in retirement matches. There was hope Cena could end his with another signature victory, but instead Gunther gets the honor of sending someone away with a loss. Devastating for the WWE fans that rooted for Cena for so long, but it doesn’t represent what was an unbelievable career.

Watch: John Cena’s final introduction

Lilian Garcia with the final introduction for the 17-time WWE Champion.

Watch: John Cena’s final entrance

‘Stew, let’s go to work one last time.’

Cena enters to a thunderous ovation for his final WWE match.

The Miz appears, R-Truth interrupts

The Miz interrupts the broadcast to tell the crowd he should have been part of the John Cena farewell tour. As he goes on a tirade, R-Truth comes out and tells him he has an opponent.

Joe Hendry surprises

The Miz says his name and he appears.

Joe Hendry emerges and confronts The Miz and sends him down on the mat. Then he and R-Truth give The Miz a Five-Knuckle Shuffle before Hendry finishes it off with a Standing Ovation to ‘win’ the unofficial match.

AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater

The NXT and TNA stars waste no time getting things going as they deliver synchronized super kicks and each go flying out of the ring to stun the World Tag Team Champions. Thanks to the blazing start, Evans and Slater take the early control against Lee.

A powerbomb helps Lee slow down the other team and gives him time to tag in Styles, who shows he can absolutely hang with the young talent. After a brief moment of chaos outside of the ring with everyone, Evans and Slater get rolling again, this time against Styles.

Lee helped Styles recover, but he had a botch when he tried a Phenomenal Forearm. It didn’t slow him down as he soon afterward got the Styles Clash on Slater. It was the final blow to get the champions the win.

Analysis: It wasn’t a lot of time, but the tag teams did more than enough with it to deliver an entertaining match. Slater and Evans showed off their high-flying skills perfectly, while Styles again shows Father Time still hasn’t caught up to him. The botch hurt the overall finish, but still was a fun performance with the limited time in the ring.

Bayley vs. Sol Ruca

Each star had help in their corner with Lyra Valkyria on Bayley’s side and Zaria still supporting Ruca, and early on Ruca was a step ahead of the veteran, using her stellar acrobatic skill set to her advantage. A mistimed backflip from Ruca momentarily gave Bayley some offense, but the NXT star was back in front quickly; she executed a tumbling leap out of the ring for the first big moment of the match.

Bayley had another opportunity to gain momentum, but Ruca was relentless and didn’t stay down long enough to get in a hole. When Ruca tried another leap, Bayley caught it for a Belly-to-Bayley that resulted in both stars down on the mat.

Bayley tried a Rose Plant but Ruca avoided it with a cartwheel, and Ruca tried the Sol Snatcher but Bayley tripped her up before it could be executed. Bayley went for the pin that was unsuccessful because Ruca’s legs got on the ropes.

Afterward, Ruca finally landed the Sol Snatcher, but Bayley rolled out. Ruca desperately dragged her back in the ring and Bayley tried to roll her opponent up. Ruca got out of it and executed her own pin and she got the count to three for the victory. The two stars then shake hands.

Analysis: The Sol continues to rise.

Ruca dazzles every time she’s in the ring, and it was no different on one of the biggest stages of her young career. She controlled the majority of the match, a clear indicator she has what it takes to be a problem on the main roster. Credit Bayley for being the great veteran to put Ruca over, and there’s no limit to what she can achieve after another great outing.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi

The night starts with a massive showdown between the top star on the main roster vs. the top guy in NXT. The electricity is palpable after big pops on the entrances, and Femi shows early he’s not just a young star. He counters Rhodes’ punch with a powerful slam to the WWE Champion. From there, Femi takes the early advantage, throwing Rhodes around the ring with ease.

After taking some significant blows, Rhodes is able to slow Femi down and get him on the ground. That’s when Rhodes tees up the Cody Cutter and lands it to perfection. Rhodes had an unsuccessful leap outside of the ring, but a second time works to get Femi down.

It doesn’t have much impact with Femi recovering quickly in the ring for a Spinebuster. Rhodes went outside of the ring and Femi got a running start to launch himself into his opponent and over the table. Rhodes had a bloody mouth, yet it didn’t stop him from countering with a magnificent Cody Cutter.

The two stars were down when Drew McIntyre emerged and attacked Rhodes, ending the match in disqualification. Femi was upset and approached McIntyre, and that gave Rhodes enough time to give the ‘Scottish Warrior’ a Cody Cutter, followed by a slam from Femi. The two opponents then raise their titles together.

Analysis: The night gets off to a great start with the two champions putting on a high-quality match. Rhodes is established, but Femi got to formally introduce himself on the main roster. The crowd loved the NXT Champion and were fully invested in his entrance. He dazzled in the opportunity and did a exceptional job looking like a powerhouse.

People wanted to see a true winner in this fight, and a disqualification unfortunately hurts it a bit, and the crowd wanted to see the match continue. However, the result was certainly the safe way to go to protect WWE’s top guy and the one that will be in the position soon.

Watch: Oba Femi makes electric entrance

Watch: Cody Rhodes kicks night off

WWE icons in attendance

The stars are out to see Cena’s finale, including wrestling icons such as Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Trish Stratus and Mark Henry.

When is John Cena’s last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event?

John Cena’s last match takes place at Saturday Night’s Main Event on Saturday, Dec 13.

Stream WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event on Peacock

John Cena’s last match, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event start time

Saturday Night’s Main Event begins at 8 p.m. ET, with Cena’s final match as the main event.

How to watch John Cena’s last match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Saturday Night’s Main Event will stream on Peacock, but you must have their premium or premium-plus subscription to watch. Internationally, it will be available on YouTube in most markets.

Where is John Cena’s last match at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Cena’s final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

John Cena’s last match, WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event preshow

The preshow for Saturday Night’s Main Event begins at 6 p.m. ET. It will be streamed on Peacock and WWE’s social channels, including YouTube.

John Cena’s last match, Saturday Night’s Main Event match card

Matches not in order

John Cena vs. Gunther
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi
Bayley vs. Sol Ruca
AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater

Watch: Saturday Night’s Main Event cold open

WWE chief content officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque narrates the opening of Cena’s final match.

John Cena farewell tour reaches end

The farewell tour is now complete. In his last year of in-ring competition, Cena won the Elimination Chamber and the Undisputed WWE Championship, becoming the first 17-time title holder in WWE history. He also took the Intercontinental Championship, making him a Grand Slam champion.

Saturday Night’s Main Event stage

The view inside Capital One Arena. WWE opts for a generic stage.

John Cena final match prediction 

Retirement matches usually mean ending a career with a loss, but that’s for most wrestlers. It’s completely different with Cena. It’s going to be an emotional thriller, with so many close calls and callbacks to the past 23 years of Cena’s tenure. Gunther will look like he made Cena tap out and it will end in a loss.

That’s until hustle, loyalty and respect power through. Cena finds just enough in the tank for a big finish, and he gets the pin to end it all with a win. – Jordan Mendoza

John Cena ends wrestling career as the greatest of all time

Did you really see John Cena?

Yes, we all know we’ve spent his entire career “looking” for him. The man behind “You Can’t See Me” got taken too literally to the point of invisibility. But maybe there is a deeper meaning to it. 

What exactly were you looking for? A hero? A villain? A reason to smile? A reason to boo?

For 23 years, WWE fans searched endlessly, wondering if they’d ever find the answer. But as he enters the final match of his storied career, it’s all clear. Finally, we do see Cena.

What do we see? That John Cena has cemented himself as the greatest wrestler in history – and there will never be another like him.

Turns out, it’s just basic thuganomics. 

Read why there will never be another Cenahere.

A love letter to John Cena and professional wrestling

I wasn’t a John Cena fan. Not back then. Not even a little bit.

As a kid, I was in the minority. I recognize that. Watch back any Cena entrance from 2007-15 and you’ll find the same crowd reaction: every adult in attendance booing mercilessly while every child simultaneously screams in glee. 

This was the John Cena experience. No matter how you felt about him, you gave him a reaction. And as any pro wrestler will tell you, that’s the job, brother.

Love him or hate him, Cena represented everything great about this weird, niche genre of entertainment. He embraced its quirks with determination, its grueling schedule with endless effort and its spoils with grace.

You didn’t have to be a fan of Cena to recognize his mastery.

Read why wrestling will miss Cenahere.

John Cena’s top moments of his career

There’s no debating Cena is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time − evident by several signature moments that defined a generation of wrestling.

While there are undoubtedly hundreds of those unforgettable performances, which ones stand out above the rest?

See the full list of top 17 momentshere.

John Cena’s top entrances 

A key element in wrestling is the entrance, and Cena knew how to make them grand.

One of the several things that made Cena a WWE legend was his iconic entrance music. He started off with ‘Basic Thuganomics,’ which became a classic with some clever lines, but he introduced ‘My Time is Now’ in 2005, and it has become a song that has transcended wrestling, becoming a recognizable tune and sending crowds into a frenzy the moment the first note hits.

With that signature song, Cena has made some epic entrances that left the audience wowed. He’s entered arenas and stadiums thousands of times, but some of those entrances stand out more than others and have become iconic moments in Cena’s lasting legacy.

See the full list of best entranceshere.

John Cena’s 10 best feuds 

More than 23 years is enough time to develop heated rivals in wrestling, and Cena had plenty of them in WWE.

As the face of WWE for decades, Cena got to the top of the wrestling world thanks to the epic showdowns he had with other big-time stars. Whether it was the promos, matches or the stakes, some feuds stood out above the rest. They often helped raise the legacy of both Cena and his rival as they each brought the best out of each other, and those heated rivalries helped produce some of wrestling’s top moments in recent memory.

Of course, not all of them were top-tier quality, but there were rivalries that transcended the sport and helped shape what wrestling is today.

See the full list of Cena’s best rivalrieshere.

WWE stars pay tribute to John Cena

Get the tissues ready.

Cena not only impacted wrestling fans, but stars themselves. Several of them honor him, including some big names like Roman Reigns, in this emotional video.

Oba Femi has ‘huge opportunity’ vs. Cody Rhodes

With NXT stars getting to challenge main roster talent, no one gets a bigger shot than Oba Femi; the NXT Champion will face Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

“It’s huge for me,” Femi told USA TODAY Sports. “That’s just a huge favor he’s done for us up-and-coming NXT superstars to showcase us on his final day, which speaks to his selflessness and humility.”

“The Ruler” has become a major hit in NXT, with his signature strut starting what is often dominance in the ring. It will be his biggest match yet, but Femi is ready for the challenge.

“At the end of the match, people realize that there is a new crop of talent, and they are here, and they mean business,” Femi said. “While I’m out there, I’m going to enjoy every moment I’m in there with Cody. It’s the best now versus the projected future, the biggest prospect from NXT. It’s a huge match. It’s a huge opportunity, and the fans get to enjoy it. 

“But I think when everything is said and done, Oba Femi will be victorious,” he added.

John Cena WWE career accolades

It’s been a career full of achievements as Cena has done about everything a wrestler can do in WWE. Here are all of his achievements: 

WWE Champion: 17 times (record)
United States Champion: five times
WWE Tag Team Champion: four times
Intercontinental Champion: one time
Grand Slam Champion
Triple Crown Champion
2012 Money in the Bank winner
2008 and 2013 Royal Rumble winner